His comments on French radio echoed sentiments voiced by FIFA president Blatter last November when he said that due to the extreme summer heat in the Gulf winter finals were “inevitable”.

However, Valcke’s interview yesterday resulted in FIFA having to rush out a statement saying no decision had been taken.

UEFA president Platini today criticised his counterparts at the head of world football.

“When the executive committee was held in early October, it was decided to launch a major consultation of all football and no decision would be taken before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil,” he said.

“It was also agreed not to talk about this before then. I do not see why it is discussed publicly. Two months ago Blatter spoke about it. Now it’s Valcke. This is supposed to be a decision for the executive committee of FIFA. But maybe the executive committee doesn’t matter. If the decision has already been taken then it does not even need to meet, except for those people who enjoy chatting.”

Platini voted for Qatar in the hosting ballot in 2010 and has always backed a winter finals.

He added: “This is my personal opinion . . . but we have to consult the entire football family before making a decision.”